From Kill Truck to Champion: The Unbelievable Journey of Raven
What seemed like an ordinary act of compassion turned into a legendary story of triumph, resilience, and destiny. When Drew Boies, an amateur roper and farrier, stepped into a dusty lot where unwanted horses were being auctioned off for slaughter, he had no idea he was about to change the course of history.
Among the weary and discarded horses stood a frail yet striking grulla yearling with a shimmering silver-gray coat and piercing eyes filled with untamed spirit. She had been abandoned by a breeder who could no longer afford to care for her, deemed worthless and left to face a tragic fate on a kill truck.
Drawn to something unexplainable about her—perhaps the determination in her stance or the silent plea in her gaze—Drew made a snap decision. With just $200, he purchased the underfed filly, unaware that she carried within her the heart of a champion.
A Second Chance at Life
Bringing her home, Drew named her Raven and devoted himself to her recovery. It wasn’t easy—she was weak, wary of human touch, and had never known true care. With patience, love, and relentless dedication, he nurtured her back to health, ensuring she had the proper diet, medical attention, and the time to regain her strength.
Slowly, Raven transformed before his eyes. Her coat gleamed in the sunlight, her muscles filled out, and her confidence grew. By the time she turned three, it was clear—she wasn’t just any ordinary horse. She had raw talent, intelligence, and an unbreakable will to succeed.
The Making of a Champion
Drew, along with a trusted team of trainers, began introducing Raven to professional training. At first, there were doubts—she had no pedigree to boast of, no famous lineage. But the moment she stepped into the arena, something magical happened.
Raven excelled beyond expectations. Her speed, agility, and natural athleticism stunned everyone. She had the drive to win, but more than that, she had an undeniable bond with Drew—a trust forged through kindness and second chances.
By 2016, Raven—competing under the name Ravens Silver Angel—did what no one could have predicted. She dominated the competition, earning the title of three-time Congress Champion, one of the highest honors in the horse industry.
The same horse that was once discarded as worthless had risen to the top, proving that with love, patience, and belief, the impossible could become reality.
Beyond the Arena: A Lasting Legacy
Today, Raven is more than just a champion—she’s a symbol of hope, resilience, and the power of second chances. Her success has inspired countless people in the equestrian world and beyond, reminding everyone that every horse—no matter their past—deserves the chance to be great.
The Boies family is already planning for Raven’s future, ensuring that her retirement will be as fulfilling as her competitive career. “Of course, she will retire with us at home and eventually bless us with some beautiful foals,” shared Victoria Boies. “Her legacy will live on, not just in trophies but in the generations she will inspire.”
The Bigger Picture: Ending Horse Slaughter
Raven’s story sheds light on a heartbreaking reality—thousands of horses face slaughter every year simply because they are no longer wanted. According to the Humane Society, over 100,000 horses in the U.S. alone are sent to slaughter annually. Many of these horses could be rehomed, retrained, or given another purpose if only given the chance.
Organizations and advocates continue to push for stronger anti-slaughter laws, responsible breeding practices, and expanded adoption programs to prevent more horses from meeting a fate like the one Raven narrowly escaped.
Her journey is more than just a success story—it’s a call to action. It’s a reminder that with compassion, commitment, and second chances, lives can be transformed.
“She is an exceptional mare who always gives her best,” Victoria reflected. “We feel incredibly fortunate to have her in our lives. She wasn’t just saved—she saved us too.”
